Camping allows you to experience everything the great outdoors has to offer. Camping can be a lot of work when it comes to preparing, packing and setting up camp. While there is plenty to do, don’t lose sight of what camping is all about--having fun. This means incorporating as many outdoor activities as possible into your camping experience.
Campfire Cooking
Part of having a fun camping experience is getting everyone at camp involved in cooking meals and snacks, including responsible kids. One fun way to do this is through campfire cooking. Campfiredude.com explains some of the most common and safe ways include in foil, with a pie iron, on a stick, with a dutch oven or over the coals.
Roasting marshmallows on a stick is fun but you can also create other deserts and snacks with a pie iron. A pie iron is an iron or metal cooking device at the end of a long, sturdy handle. You can add your favorite bread and then fill it with fruit, pudding, chocolate, marshmallows or candy. You can easily create a bread filled omelet and add cheese or ham. Create pocket pizzas with Italian bread, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Wrap refrigerated cinnamon rolls around a campfire in a snake pattern, heat over the flames for a hot cinnamon treat.
Hobo or foiled dinners allow campers to choose what kind of all-in-one dinner they want. Place hamburger patties or ham fillets on heavy duty foil. Add canned vegetables, season to taste and place over hot coals until cooked through.
Canoeing
One way to make your camping experience fun is to combine camping with canoeing. This is a challenging but active way to camp. Pack only the bare necessities and make sure to include a floating, waterproof bag or barrel for all of your clothing, gear and food in case it goes overboard. According to Moshannon Falls website, you can strive for a successful trip by following some basic guidelines, such as planning your itinerary, location and canoe trip distance ahead of time. Always make sure you dress for the weather and be prepared to take over for inexperienced paddlers or children who may get tired of paddling. Make sure you have a map of the river and all locations available along the way to set up camp.
Animal Camp
Animal camp is a way to make your trip more fun by bringing along your favorite furry friend. This can include a well-behaved and leashed dog or cat. Many people enjoy camping with their horses. Horse trails run through many of the national parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The U.S. National Parks Service website reminds visitors to keep their equine friends in the stalls provided throughout the horse camp area. Horse trails allow you to experience more of the backcountry areas of a campground.
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